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As the Florida air changes from hot & humid to cold & crisp, it is the welcome sign that Fall is here and soon we shall be enjoying the holiday season feast and festivities. Today I feel frisky from the brisk air, with the sun in full splendor in the sky; no clouds, just warmth, and that fine feeling I get when it warms my cheeks as the breezy still taunts them with coldness. Today, I am reminded to give thanks for the upcoming winey fire birds.Many will enjoy a full feast on Thanksgiving and throughout December. For those that are not as fortunate this year, I want to take a moment to wish them love and abundance in whatever form they need.Food is a joyous occasion that brings us together. Breaking bread with other can bring out conversations and interactions that are rarely experienced in other venues. In my family, there are no traditional meals we cook each year. It changes constantly, like the seasons. Seems like the menu we plan for a holiday feast revolve more around how healthy we want [that year] versus what we really what to scarf down [mac-n-cheese pleeeeze]. Several of my friends have yearly traditional meals. How about you, or are we more alike than I realized? hmmmmmmJoyous celebrations usually include this #1 stain causer….

yes, you guessed it – Red Wine.Red wine is the #1 stain made over the holidays.With slight preparation before the party [buy club soda],you will beat those crushed grapes at their own game!BURN THIS IN YOUR BRAIN --BLOT, DO NOT RUB!5 Easy Tips for Success…

Blot the stain as soon as it happens and while still wet.

Stain Remains After Blotting: rinse the spot with white wine or club soda.

Stains Still There: pour salt or baking soda on the spot and allow it to soak up the stain.

REMEMBER: Always check the stain spot BEFORE placing the item in the DRYER. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process again. The dryer can set the stain into the fibers so be sure to check the stain prior to drying.Holiday stains don’t work alone. They have a whole army of helpers (or Air Force) playing their game of stain. These fighters come in all sizes, tastes, and temperatures. One of the biggest culprits at the dining room table is the turkey. This time of year, I am less concerned with his or stain making ability as I am the “burnin’ down the house” ability. Yes, it is a great Talking Heads song and I prefer it on the radio, not in my castle.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day. Of those fires, 46% were from unattended equipment resulting in death.

In 2013, Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.Her cooking is “hot stuff”!

A cooking fire is three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. The average number of fires per day:November 28 (Thanksgiving)1,550(230%)December 25(Christmas)740(58%)December 24 (Christmas Eve)720(54%)

If you must multi-task invest in a second food timer. It is a cheap way to avoid a very costly mistake.

In my town of Eustis, Florida, the Fire Chief Mike Swanson said, “Most fires on Thanksgiving occur between noon and 4 p.m. – the peak cooking hours. Also, that many “of those fires can be easily avoided by staying alerted and in the kitchen while cooking.” (2)

I know it seems basic but holiday a get-together is anything but basic.For many like myself, it is the one time a year I see several Aunts/Uncles/Cousins so my normal inability to stay focused is mere much more scattered.I want us all to be happy, healthy and above it all, safe!Don’t let those winey fire birds get you down.Enjoy yourself, your visitors and some wine but please, no food (or birds) on fire!Wherever in the world you are reading this, I wish you a very happy holiday season,regardless of what you cook and drink….

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Please join my mission to improve the world one load of laundry at a time. I believe It all begins with a ripple. Read my story how of I went from cubicle girl to steward of the entire planet.